Parents Advocate for Cleveland’s Smallest School, Transforming Children’s Lives
Parents of students at Louisa May Alcott school in Cleveland are advocating for its preservation as the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) plans to merge it with other schools, potentially affecting vulnerable children. Jonathan Salazar, a parent of twins enrolled at Alcott, passionately expressed concerns at a recent school board meeting about the impact of the merger on his children, both of whom have special needs.
Concerns Over Potential School Closure
On November 19, 2025, Salazar addressed the school board after the district had proposed merging Alcott with Waverly Elementary and Joseph Gallagher Elementary. This merger would create a larger school environment with an anticipated enrollment of nearly 1,000 students, a significant increase from Alcott’s current enrollment of 167.
Salazar has been rallying support from parents and teachers, emphasizing how Alcott’s small class sizes and dedicated staff have positively influenced his children. He argued that larger schools may not provide the same level of care and attention necessary for special education students.
Community Passion
Recent discussions among Alcott families have highlighted a strong desire to retain the intimate and nurturing environment that the school offers. Many parents believe that larger schools would compromise their children’s needs and emotional well-being. A petition started by Alcott families has gathered hundreds of signatures, demonstrating significant community support for the school.
- Alcott’s current enrollment: 167 students
- Projected enrollment at Gallagher after the merger: nearly 1,000 students
- School board vote date: December 9, 2025
Unique Educational Environment
Parents argue that Alcott’s uniqueness lies in its ability to offer individual attention and specialized resources for students with disabilities. Many such parents are fearful that a merger could negatively affect their children’s development and happiness.
Throughout the community, there are varied emotional responses to the potential changes. Some parents, like Mayouri Inthavong, have shared feelings of grief about losing the close-knit community that Alcott has fostered over the years. New families, like Adam and Brandi Baggerman, express gratitude for the school’s intimate atmosphere, noting that it provides vital support for their quiet son.
Challenges Ahead
As the board’s decision date approaches, families navigate difficult conversations with their children about the uncertain future. Salazar, for instance, is considering relocating back to New York if the merger goes ahead, while other parents are exploring various educational alternatives.
Many Alcott families have begun planning contingencies, including looking into private, charter, or religious schools should Alcott close. Parents express both hope for a favorable outcome and concerns over the unique needs of their children being overlooked.
The CMSD’s plan, which purportedly aims to improve educational resources and operational efficiency, is met with skepticism from the Alcott community. They feel that this “merger” may resemble a closure, as critical support systems and relationships may be displaced in the process.
Final Thoughts
As the Alcott community continues its fight for preservation, the voices of parents like Salazar resonate strongly. They advocate for acknowledging the unique environments that schools like Alcott provide, especially for students with special needs, who may thrive in smaller settings. The upcoming school board vote on December 9 will be crucial in determining the future of Alcott and its impact on families in Cleveland.
